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Robert Downey Jr. is still Hollywood's best-paid actor

Compiled by Tony Hicks

Contra Costa Times

Posted:
07/22/2014 12:28:19 PM EDT

Believe it or not, Robert Downey Jr. makes more money than you.

He even makes more money than me.

What an insane world this is.

Forbes magazine reports Downey is the highest paid actor in Hollywood for the second straight year, estimating the "Iron Man" star earned $75 million between June 2013 and June 2014, which is about the same amount as he earned last year.

And it seems there's a reason for that. Forbes reports Marvel movies starring Downey have earned almost $4 billion at the global box office and millions more on home video. Then there's all those Iron Man action figures everyone bought for their kids.

OK -- so maybe I bought some Iron Man pajamas that were "too big" for my kids. What was I supposed to do -- not wear them?

Disney know a good thing when it sees it. Perhaps that is why Downey has been able to hold out for the upcoming "Avengers: Age of Ultron" to get a bigger upfront paycheck than anyone has ever received for a movie.

The business of being a superhero is apparently pretty good right now. Chris Hemsworth, aka Thor, debuted on Forbes' annual list this year, finishing fifth on with $37 million. The Thor sequel "The Dark World" made $200 million more than the first movie, which naturally means Hemsworth will make even more for the next Thor film.

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson finished second to Downey, with an estimated $52 million in earnings. Though not an official marvel superhero, Johnson will profit nicely from his upcoming film "Hercules." He also has benefitted nicely from appearing in the "The Fast and the Furious" franchise.

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But back to Marvel ... the company's upcoming "Guardians of the Galaxy" helped Bradley Cooper rank third with $46 million this year, including what he's already earned playing Rocket Raccoon in the Marvel film. He also hasn't hurt his bank account by starring in "The Hangover" franchise, as well as the Oscar nominated "American Hustle."

Leonardo DiCaprio finished fourth with an estimated $39 million in earnings, thanks to "The Great Gatsby" and "The Wolf of Wall Street," which combined to earn $743 million at the global box office, according to Forbes.

The magazine compiles its estimates through information from agents, producers, lawyers and insiders who understand how actors earn their money.

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